Big Design Ideas for Small Yards

Stuck with a tiny yard? Transform your small outdoor space into a beautiful and functional escape with these totally doable design ideas.

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Design to Scale

The key to making a big impact on a small footprint: design to scale. Here, a mix of wood and slate, married with plant materials of contrasting color but similar tones, creates four levels of interest in this small space.

Define Key Areas

Three clearly defined spaces  a dining area, lawn and plantings, and a woodland beyond  eke a lot of function out of a relatively small amount of urban real estate. This design by Sara Jane Rothwell features walls, screens, levels, pathways and trees, creating a relationship of horizontal surfaces in distinct areas of the yard.

Use the Rules of Perspective

Designing the space around the rules of perspective  chiefly that parallel lines appear to converge to a "vanishing point" and objects in the distance appear smaller than those close by  can help make a small garden seem larger. Here, the pergola reinforces and frames the view, and the flower-filled container as a focal point in the middle distance draws the eye forward.

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Fool the Eye

Creating a view along the diagonal of the property creates the illusion that the space is bigger than it looks. Here, the diagonal path with steps traces a zigzag line through the garden, providing areas to linger and enjoy the wide beds and colorful plantings.

Design on a Diagonal

Remove the Clutter

Space is at a premium in this urban garden, so designer Sam Joyce used the minimalist approach in this beautiful retreat. Built-in seating and just enough plants to make a statement keep the clutter down. Sam left room for additional chairs to be brought out from the house when necessary.

Create a Mixed Garden

To grow fruits and veggies in a small yard, pitch out the concept of straight rows in one big garden, and cram your veggie garden in overlooked spaces or mix in with the landscaping, in raised beds and pots. Stonework or a bit of other hardscaping can turn the garden ornamental.